Cutting tool assembly having clamp assembly comprising a clamp and a coolant plate

ABSTRACT

A clamp assembly to secure a cutting insert to a holder that includes a clamp that has a distal end and a clamp projection depending from the distal end of the clamp. There is a coolant plate that has a top plate surface and a bottom plate surface wherein the top plate surface contains a recess that receives the clamp projection upon assembly of the clamp and the coolant plate. The bottom plate surface contains a bowl having an open bowl end wherein in operation the bowl directs coolant through the open bowl end toward the cutting insert. The assembly has a positioner extending between the clamp and the coolant plate so as to maintain a position of the clamp relative to the coolant plate upon the assembly of the clamp and the coolant plate.

BACKGROUND

The invention pertains to a cutting tool assembly that uses a clampassembly to secure the cutting insert to the holder. More specifically,the invention pertains to such a cutting tool assembly, and especiallythe clamp assembly, wherein the clamp assembly comprises a clamp and acoolant plate that facilitates enhanced delivery of coolant adjacent theinterface between the cutting insert and the workpiece (i.e., theinsert-chip interface) to diminish excessive heat at the insert-chipinterface in the chipforming removal of material from a workpiece.

Metal cutting tools for performing metal working operations generallycomprise a cutting insert having a surface terminating at a cutting edgeand a tool holder formed with a seat adapted to receive the insert. Thecutting insert engages a workpiece to remove material, and in theprocess forms chips of the material. Excessive heat at the insert-chipinterface can negatively impact upon (i.e., reduce or shorten) theuseful tool life of the cutting insert.

For example, a chip generated from the workpiece can sometimes stick(e.g., through welding) to the surface of the cutting insert. The buildup of chip material on the cutting insert in this fashion is anundesirable occurrence that can negatively impact upon the performanceof the cutting insert, and hence, the overall material removaloperation. A flow of coolant to the insert-chip interface will reducethe potential for such welding. It would therefore be desirable toreduce excessive heat at the insert-chip interface to eliminate orreduce build up of chip material.

As another example, in a chipforming material removal operation, therecan occur instances in which the chips do not exit the region of theinsert-chip interface when the chip sticks to the cutting insert. When achip does not exit the region of the insert-chip interface, there is thepotential that a chip can be re-cut. It is undesirable for the turninginsert to re-cut a chip already removed from the workpiece. A flow ofcoolant to the insert-chip interface will facilitate the evacuation ofchips from the insert-chip interface thereby minimizing the potentialthat a chip will be re-cut.

There is an appreciation that a shorter useful tool life increasesoperating costs and decreases overall production efficiency. Excessiveheat at the insert-chip interface contribute to the welding of chipmaterial and re-cutting of chips, both of which are detrimental toproduction efficiency. There are readily apparent advantages connectedwith decreasing the heat at the insert-chip interface wherein one way todecrease the temperature is to supply coolant to the insert-chipinterface.

It is undesirable for the chip to become long. Breaking of the chip intosmaller pieces is a desirable event during the material removaloperation. The coolant stream can impinge the chip to thereby break thechip into the smaller pieces.

Heretofore, systems operate to lower the cutting insert temperatureduring cutting. For example, some systems use external nozzles to directcoolant at the cutting edge of the insert. The coolant serves not onlyto lower the temperature of the insert but also to remove the chip fromthe cutting area. The nozzles are often a distance of one to twelveinches away from the cutting edge. This is too far of a distance foreffective cooling. The farther the coolant must travel, the more thecoolant will mix with air and the less likely it will be to contact thetool-chip interface.

There are cutting assemblies that utilize a clamping assembly thatincludes a clamp and a coolant plate. For example, in U.S. Pat. No.7,883,299 to Prichard et al. for a Metal Cutting System for EffectiveCoolant Delivery [K-2379USUS1] there is shown a metal cutting systemthat includes a shim and a cutting insert, as well as a clamp thatengages a plate on top of the cutting insert. Coolant flows toward theinterface between the cutting insert and the workpiece.

As another example, in United States Patent Application Publication No.US2011/0020073 A1 for Cutting Insert Assembly and Components Thereof byChen et al. [K-3049USUS1/U.S. Ser. No. 12/874,591] there is shown ametal cutting assembly that includes a holder that receives a shim and acutting insert. The assembly also includes a clamp and a coolant plate.Coolant flows toward the interface of the cutting insert and theworkpiece.

Further, referring to [K-4080USUS1] Co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/664,568 for Cutting Insert Assembly and Components Thereofby Henry et al., there is another cutting assembly that utilizes aclamping assembly that includes a clamp and a coolant plate, a pair ofarms or prongs extended from the clamp to contact opposite side surfacesof the coolant plate and thereby secure the coolant plate in position.Such an arrangement requires that the clamp and the coolant plate be ina parallel relationship, i.e., the central longitudinal axis of theclamp and the central longitudinal axis of the coolant plate areparallel to one another. There should be an appreciation that anarrangement in which the clamp and coolant plate are parallel exhibitscertain limitations in the context of trying to accommodate cuttinginserts of various sizes and various holders in which the cutting inserthas an orientation at different angles.

One such limitation is that different sizes of clamps and/or coolantplates are necessary to accommodate variations in the cutting insertsand the orientations of the cutting insert in the holder. Thisnecessitates that a number of different clamps and coolant plates had tobe kept in inventory to accommodate the variety of different cuttinginserts. It would therefore be highly desirable to provide a clampingassembly of a clamp and coolant plate that exhibits a geometry so as toaccommodate a number of different clamps and coolant plates withouthaving to keep in inventory a variety of different cutting inserts. Areduction in the number of different clamps and/or coolant plates ininventory would result in a cost savings thereby increasing the overallefficiency of the cutting operation.

SUMMARY

The inventors have recognized the problems and/or drawbacks and/orlimitations associated with earlier cutting assemblies that use coolantfor delivery to the interface of the cutting insert and the workpiece.The inventors have developed an inventive cutting tool assembly, as wellas components thereof, that overcome these problems and/or drawbacksand/or limitations.

In one form thereof, the invention is a clamp assembly to secure acutting insert to a holder wherein the clamp assembly comprises a clampthat has a distal end and a clamp projection depending from the distalend of the clamp. There is a coolant plate having a top plate surfaceand a bottom plate surface wherein the top plate surface containing arecess wherein the recess receives the clamp projection upon assembly ofthe clamp and the coolant plate. The bottom plate surface contains abowl having an open bowl end wherein in operation the bowl directscoolant through the open bowl end toward the cutting insert.

There is a positioner extending between the clamp and the coolant plateso as to maintain a position of the clamp relative to the coolant plateupon the assembly of the clamp and the coolant plate.

In another form thereof, the invention is a cutting assembly forchipforming cutting of a workpiece. The cutting assembly comprises acutting insert, and a holder having a seat wherein the seat receives thecutting insert upon assembly of the cutting insert to the holder. Thereis a clamp assembly to secure a cutting insert to a holder wherein theclamp assembly comprises a clamp that has a distal end and a clampprojection depending from the distal end of the clamp. There is acoolant plate having a top plate surface and a bottom plate surfacewherein the top plate surface containing a recess wherein the recessreceives the clamp projection upon assembly of the clamp and the coolantplate. The bottom plate surface contains a bowl having an open bowl endwherein in operation the bowl directs coolant through the open bowl endtoward the cutting insert. There is a positioner extending between theclamp and the coolant plate so as to maintain a position of the clamprelative to the coolant plate upon the assembly of the clamp and thecoolant plate.

In yet another form thereof, the invention is a coolant plate for use incooperation with a clamp in a cutting assembly with a cutting insert anda clamp having a clamp projection and the clamp containing a threadedaperture wherein a threaded member extends between the threaded apertureof the clamp and the coolant plate. The coolant plate comprises a topplate surface and a bottom plate surface. The top plate surface containsa recess wherein the recess receives a clamp projection from the clampupon assembly of the clamp and the coolant plate. The bottom platesurface contains a bowl having an open bowl end wherein in operation thebowl directs coolant through the open bowl end toward a cutting insert.The coolant plate contains a threaded aperture that receives thethreaded member upon assembly of the clamp to the coolant plate so as tomaintain a position of the clamp relative to the coolant plate.

In still another form thereof, the invention is a coolant plate for usein cooperation with a clamp in a cutting assembly with a cutting insertand a clamp having a clamp post and a clamp projection. The coolantplate comprises a top plate surface and a bottom plate surface. The topplate surface contains a recess wherein the recess receives a clampprojection from the clamp upon assembly of the clamp and the coolantplate. The bottom plate surface contains a bowl having an open bowl endwherein in operation the bowl directs coolant through the open bowl endtoward a cutting insert. The bottom plate surface further contains arearward notch wherein the rearward notch receives a clamp post from theclamp upon assembly of the clamp and the coolant plate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following is a brief description of the drawings that form a part ofthis patent application:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one specific embodiment of a cutting toolassembly;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view from the top of a first specific embodimentof a coolant plate wherein the coolant plate is useful with the specificembodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is a bottom view of the coolant plate of FIG. 2;

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the coolant plate of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the specific embodiment ofFIG. 1 showing the relationship between the components of the cuttingtool assembly and the flow of coolant;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view from the top of a second specific embodimentof a coolant plate;

FIG. 4A is a bottom view of the coolant plate of FIG. 4;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the coolant plate of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view from the top of a third specific embodimentof a coolant plate;

FIG. 5A is a bottom view of the coolant plate of FIG. 5;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the coolant plate of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of another specific embodiment of a cuttingtool assembly;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view from the top of a fourth specific embodimentof a coolant plate useful with the specific embodiment of FIG. 6;

FIG. 7A is a bottom view of the coolant plate of FIG. 7;

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the coolant plate of FIG. 7;

FIG. 7C is an isometric view of the top surface of the coolant plate ofFIG. 7;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view from the top of a fifth specific embodimentof a coolant plate;

FIG. 8A is a bottom view of the coolant plate of FIG. 8;

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the coolant plate of FIG. 8;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view from the top of a sixth specific embodimentof a coolant plate;

FIG. 9A is a bottom view of the coolant plate of FIG. 9;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a first specific embodiment of a clampmember for use with the specific embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the clamp member of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp member of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a second specific embodiment of a clampmember for use with the specific embodiment of FIG. 6;

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the clamp member of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp member of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is an isometric view from top of the clamp and diverter plate ofthe specific embodiment of FIG. 2;

FIG. 17 is an isometric view from bottom of the clamp and diverter plateof the specific embodiment of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is an isometric view from top of the clamp and diverter plate ofthe specific embodiment of FIG. 9;

FIG. 19 is an isometric view from bottom of the clamp and diverter plateof the specific embodiment of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is an isometric view of a specific embodiment of a cutting toolassembly;

FIG. 21 is an isometric view of a specific embodiment of a clamp member;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp member of FIG. 21 takenalong section line 22-22 of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is an isometric view of a specific embodiment of a coolant platefor use with the cutting tool assembly of FIG. 20;

FIG. 24 is a bottom view of the coolant plate of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the coolant plate of FIG. 23 takenalong section line 25-25 of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the cutting tool assembly of FIG.20;

FIG. 27 is an isometric view of a specific embodiment of a cutting toolassembly;

FIG. 28 is an isometric view of a specific embodiment of a coolant plateto be used in the cutting tool assembly of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a bottom view of the coolant plate of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the coolant plate of FIG. 28 takenalong section line 30-30 of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is an isometric view of a specific embodiment of a clamp memberto be used with the cutting tool assembly of FIG. 27; and

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the clamp member of FIG. 31 takenalong section line 32-32 of FIG. 31.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention pertains to a cutting tool assembly useful for achipforming material removal operation. In a chipforming materialremoval operation, the cutting insert engages a workpiece to removematerial from a workpiece typically in the form of chips. A materialremoval operation that removes material from the workpiece in the formof chips typically is known by those skilled in the art as a chipformingmaterial removal operation. The book Machine Shop Practice [IndustrialPress Inc., New York, New York (1981)] by Moltrecht presents at pages199-204 a description, inter alia, of chip formation, as well asdifferent kinds of chips (i.e., continuous chip, discontinuous chip,segmental chip). Moltrecht reads [in part] at pages 199-200, “When thecutting tool first makes contact with the metal, it compresses the metalahead of the cutting edge. As the tool advances, the metal ahead of thecutting edge is stressed to the point where it will shear internally,causing the grains of the metal to deform and to flow plastically alonga plane called the shear plane . . . . When the type of metal being cutis ductile, such as steel, the chip will come off in a continuous ribbon. . . ”. Moltrecht goes on to describe formation of a discontinuous chipand a segmented chip. As another example, the text found at pages302-315 of the ASTE Tool Engineers Handbook, McGraw Hill Book Co., NewYork, N.Y. (1949) provides a lengthy description of chip formation inthe metal cutting process. At page 303, the ASTE Handbook makes theclear connection between chip formation and machining operations such asturning, milling and drilling. The following patent documents discussthe formation of chips in a material removal operation: U.S. Pat. No.5,709,907 to Battaglia et al. (assigned to Kennametal Inc.), U.S. Pat.No. 5,722,803 to Battaglia et al. (assigned to Kennametal Inc.), andU.S. Pat. No. 6,161,990 to Oles et al. (assigned to Kennametal Inc.).

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 show a first specificembodiment of a cutting tool assembly generally designated as 20.Cutting tool assembly 20 comprises a holder 22 that has a clamp bore 23.Holder 22 further has a forward end 24 and a rearward end 26. Holder 22contains a coolant passage 28 that has an entrance (not illustrated) andan exit 32. Holder 22 further has a seat 36 which exhibits a seatingsurface 38. Holder 22 contains a seat bore 40 with a threaded portion42.

Cutting tool assembly 20 further includes a shim 46 that contains acentral aperture 48 and a cutting insert 52 that contains a centralaperture 54. Cutting tool assembly 20 also includes a locking pin 60that has an upper end 62 and a lower end 64 and a central longitudinalbore 66 wherein the bore 66 has a threaded section 68.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, as well as FIGS. 10-12, cutting toolassembly 20 further includes a first specific embodiment of a clampassembly 80. Clamp assembly 80 includes a clamp member 82 which has aforward end 84, a rearward end 86, a top surface 88 and a bottom surface90. Clamp member 82 has a clamp base portion 94, which contains acylindrical bore 95. Clamp member 82 has a clamp arm 96, which has adistal end 97. There is a clamp projection 98 in the form of a bossdepending from the adjacent distal end 97 of the clamp arm 96. Thedistance from the center of the cylindrical bore 95 to the center of theclamp projection 98 is distance RRR.

The clamp member 82 further contains a post bore 100 that receives aclamp post 102 (see FIG. 3). The clamp post 102 has a proximate end 118and a distal end 120 that projects out from the post bore 100. As willbe described hereinafter, the portion of the clamp post 102 adjacent thedistal end 120 is received within a rearward notch (describedhereinafter) in the coolant plate to help secure and align the coolantplate relative to the clamp 82.

The clamp assembly 80 further includes a threaded member 104 that has anupper threaded portion 106 with a socket 108 and a lower threadedsection 110 with a socket 112. Cylindrical bore 95 has a threadedsection 114. Clamp bore 23 has a threaded section 116. The upperthreaded section 106 of the threaded member 104 threadedly engages thethreaded upper section 114 of the bore 95. The lower threaded section110 of the threaded member 104 threadedly engages the threaded section116 of the bore 23. The threaded member 104 securely fastens the clamp82 to the holder 22, and as will be described hereinafter, the clamp 82tightly presses down on the coolant plate, which in turn, presses downon the cutting insert 52 and the shim 46.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B, there is shown a first specificembodiment of a coolant plate generally designated as 130. Coolant plate130 has a forward end 132, a rearward end 134, a top plate surface 136and a bottom plate surface 138. The top plate surface 136 contains arecess 140, which is in the form of a circular depression. Coolant plate130 has a sloped forward surface region 142, swept-back opposite sidesurface regions 144, 146 and a generally U-shaped rear surface region148 that extends between the opposite side surface regions 144, 146.There is a rearward post notch 154 at the juncture of the bottom platesurface 138 and the rear surface 148. The rearward post notch 154 has anopen end 156 and a closed end 158. The bottom plate surface 138 of thecoolant plate 130 contains a bowl 160 that has an open end 162 and aclosed end 164. The coolant plate 130 has a central longitudinal axisA-A. The rearward post notch 154 has a central longitudinal axis B-B.Central longitudinal axis A-A is generally coaxial with the centrallongitudinal axis B-B. The axial length of coolant plate 130 is AAA andthe maximum transverse dimension (or width) is BBB. The distance fromthe center of the recess 140 to the forward end 132 of the coolant plate130 is CCC.

Referring back to FIG. 3, in operation, coolant, which is typicallyunder pressure, passes through the coolant passage 28 so as to exit thecoolant passage 28 at the exit 32 thereof. As shown by the arrows 166,coolant flows through the central longitudinal bore 66 of the lockingpin 60. Coolant enters into the volume defined by the bowl 160 in thecoolant plate 130 and impinges the surfaces that define the bowl 160 sothat coolant is directed so as to exit out of the open end 162 of thebowl 160. The coolant travels toward the interface between the cuttinginsert 52 and the workpiece 168. The coolant enters and exits the bowlin a like fashion for each one of the specific embodiments of thecoolant plates that are described hereinafter. The capability to provideadequate coolant flow to the interface between the cutting insert andthe workpiece has advantages. For example, a chip generated from theworkpiece can sometimes stick (e.g., through welding) to the surface ofthe cutting insert. The build up of chip material on the cutting insertin this fashion is an undesirable occurrence that can negatively impactupon the performance of the cutting insert, and hence, the overallmaterial removal operation. A flow of coolant to the insert-chipinterface will reduce the potential for such welding. It would thereforebe desirable to reduce excessive heat at the insert-chip interface toeliminate or reduce build up of chip material. Further, in a chipformingmaterial removal operation, there can occur instances in which the chipsdo not exit the region of the insert-chip interface when the chip sticksto the cutting insert. When a chip does not exit the region of theinsert-chip interface, there is the potential that a chip can be re-cut.It is undesirable for the turning insert to re-cut a chip alreadyremoved from the workpiece. A flow of coolant to the insert-chipinterface will facilitate the evacuation of chips from the insert-chipinterface thereby minimizing the potential that a chip will be re-cut.In addition, it is undesirable for the chip to become long. Breaking ofthe chip into smaller pieces is a desirable event during the materialremoval operation. The coolant stream can impinge the chip to therebybreak the chip into the smaller pieces.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 4A and 4B, there is shown a second specificembodiment of a coolant plate generally designated as 170. Coolant plate170 has a central longitudinal axis C-C. Coolant plate 170 has a forwardend 172, a rearward end 174, a top plate surface 176 and a bottom platesurface 178. The top plate surface 176 contains a recess 180, which isin the form of an elongate trough. Recess 180 has a central longitudinalaxis D-D. Recess 180 is disposed at angle Z relative to the centrallongitudinal axis C-C of coolant plate 170. Angle ZI equal to about 90degrees. Coolant plate 170 has a sloped forward surface region 182,swept-back opposite side surface regions 184, 186 and a U-shaped rearsurface region 188 that extends between the opposite side surfaceregions 184, 186. There is a rearward post notch 200 at the juncture ofthe bottom plate surface 178 and the rear surface 188. The rearward postnotch 200 has an open end 202 and a closed end 204. The rearward postnotch 200 has a central longitudinal axis F-F. The bottom plate surface178 of the coolant plate 170 contains a bowl 208 that has an open end210 and a closed end 212. As described above, coolant travels into thebowl 208 and impinges the surfaces defining the bowl 208 whereby coolantexits the bowl 208 via the open end 210 thereof. The axial length ofcoolant plate 170 is DDD and the maximum transverse dimension (or width)is EEE. The distance from the center of the recess 180 to the forwardend 172 of the coolant plate 170 is FFF.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 5A and 5B, there is shown a third specificembodiment of a coolant plate generally designated as 220. Coolant plate220 has a central longitudinal axis G-G. Coolant plate 220 has a forwardend 222, a rearward end 224, a top plate surface 234 and a bottom platesurface 236. The top plate surface 234 contains a recess 238, which isin the form of a circular depression. Coolant plate 220 has a slopedforward surface 226, swept-back opposite side surfaces 228, 230, and asemi-circular rear surface 232 that extends between the swept-backopposite side surface regions 228, 230. There is a first rearward postnotch 242 at the juncture of the bottom plate surface 236 and the rearsurface 232. The first rearward post notch 242, which has a centrallongitudinal axis H-H, has an open end 244 and a closed end 246. Thereis a second rearward post notch 248 at the juncture of the bottom platesurface 236 and the rear surface 232. The second rearward post notch248, which has a central longitudinal axis I-I, has an open end 250 anda closed end 252. The first rearward post notch 242 is disposed at angleW relative to the second rearward post notch 248. Angle W is the anglebetween a central longitudinal axis H-H and a central longitudinal axisI-I. In the specific embodiment, angle W is equal to about 40 degrees.The bottom plate surface 236 of the coolant plate 220 contains a bowl256 that has an open end 258 and a closed end 260. As described above,coolant travels into the bowl 256 and impinges the surfaces defining thebowl 256 whereby coolant exits the bowl 256 via the open end 258thereof. The axial length of coolant plate 220 is GGG and the maximumtransverse dimension (or width) is HHH. The distance from the center ofthe recess 238 to the forward end 222 of the coolant plate 220 is III.

Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown a second specific embodiment of acutting assembly generally designated as 410. Cutting assembly 410includes a holder 412 that has a forward end 414 and a rearward end 416.The holder 412 contains a seat 418 adjacent to the forward end 414. Theseat 418 receives a cutting insert 420 and shim (not illustrated).

Referring to FIGS. 7, 7A, 7B, and 7C, there is shown a fourth specificembodiment of a coolant plate generally designated as 270. Coolant plate270 has a central longitudinal axis J-J. Coolant plate 270 has a forwardend 272, a rearward end 274, a top plate surface 276, and a bottom platesurface 278. The top plate surface 276 contains a pair of intersectingrecesses 280, 282. Referring to FIG. 7C, one recess 280, which is in theform of an elongate trough, has a central longitudinal axis M-M, and theother recess 282, which is in the form of an elongate trough, has acentral longitudinal axis N-N. Central longitudinal axis M-M is disposedat angle LLL relative to the transverse axis of coolant plate 270. AngleLLL is equal to about 20 degrees. Recess 280 is disposed at angle EErelative to recess 282. Angle EE is the angle between centrallongitudinal axes M-M and N-N. Angle EE is equal to about 40 degrees.Further, each recess 280, 282 (or notch) has a notch disposition angleAA, BB, respectively. The notch disposition angle (AA, BB) is the angleat which the central longitudinal axis (M-M, N-N) is disposed relativeto the coolant plate central longitudinal axis J-J. In this specificembodiment, angle AA and angle BB each equals 70 degrees. Coolant plate270 has a sloped forward surface region 284, swept-back opposite sidesurface regions 286, 288, and a U-shaped rear surface region 290extending between the opposite side surface regions 286, 288. The axiallength of coolant plate 270 is JJJ and the maximum transverse dimension(or width) is KKK.

There is a first rearward post notch 300 at the juncture of the bottomplate surface 278 and the rear surface 290. The first rearward postnotch 300, which has a central longitudinal axis K-K, has an open end302 and a closed end 304. There is a second rearward post notch 306 atthe juncture of the bottom plate surface 278 and the rear surface 290.The second rearward post notch 306, which has a central longitudinalaxis L-L, has an open end 308 and a closed end 310. The first rearwardpost notch 300 is disposed at angle X relative to the second rearwardpost notch 306. Angle X is the angle between central longitudinal axesK-K and L-L. Angle X is equal to about 40 degrees. The relationshipsbetween angles AA, BB and X are: X/2+AA=90 degrees and AA=BB. Further,the relationship between the rearward post notches (i.e., first rearwardpost notch 300 and second rearward post notch 306) and the recesses 280,282 are: (1) the central longitudinal axis K-K of the first rearwardpost notch 300 is perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis M-M ofrecess 280, and (2) the central longitudinal axis L-L of the secondrearward post notch 306 is perpendicular to the central longitudinalaxis N-N of recess 282.

The bottom plate surface 278 of the coolant plate 270 contains a bowl316 that has an open end 318 and a closed end 320. As described above,coolant travels into the bowl 316 and impinges the surfaces defining thebowl 316 whereby coolant exits the bowl 316 via the open end 318thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 8, 8A and 8B, there is shown a fifth specificembodiment of a coolant plate generally designated as 326. Coolant plate326 has a central longitudinal axis O-O. Coolant plate 326 has a forwardend 328, a rearward end 330, a top plate surface 332, and a bottom platesurface 334. The top plate surface 332 contains a recess 336, which isin the form of a circular depression. Coolant plate 326 has a slopedforward surface region, swept-back opposite side surface regions, and aU-shaped rear surface region 338 extending between the opposite sidesurface regions.

There is a first rearward post notch 340 at the juncture of the bottomplate surface 334 and the rear surface 338. The first rearward postnotch 340, which has a central longitudinal axis P-P, has an open endand a closed end. There is a second rearward post notch 342 at thejuncture of the bottom plate surface 334 and the rear surface 338. Thesecond rearward post notch 342, which has a central longitudinal axisQ-Q, has an open end and a closed end. The first rearward post notch 340is disposed at angle Y relative to the second rearward post notch 342.Angle Y is the angle between central longitudinal axes P-P and Q-Q.Angle Y is equal to about 80 degrees. The axial length of coolant plate326 is MMM and the maximum transverse dimension (or width) is NNN. Thedistance from the center of the recess 336 to the forward end 328 of thecoolant plate 326 is OOO.

The bottom plate surface 334 of the coolant plate 326 contains a bowl344 that has an open end 348 and a closed end 346. As described above,coolant travels into the bowl 344 and impinges the surfaces defining thebowl 344 whereby coolant exits the bowl 344 via the open end 348thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 9A, there is shown a sixth specific embodimentof a coolant plate generally designated as 354. Coolant plate 354 has acentral longitudinal axis R-R. Coolant plate 354 has a forward end 356,a rearward end 358, a top plate surface 360, and a bottom plate surface362. The top plate surface 360 contains one recess 364, which is in theform of an elongate trough and has a central longitudinal axis S-S. Thetop plate surface 360 further contains another recess 366, which is inthe form of an elongate trough and has a central longitudinal axis T-T.One recess 364 intersects with the other recess 366. One recess 364 isdisposed relative to the central longitudinal axis R-R of the coolantplate 354 at angle CC. Other recess 366 is disposed relative to thecentral longitudinal axis R-R of the coolant plate 354 at angle DD. Onerecess 364 is disposed relative to the other recess 366 at angle equalto the sum of angles CC and DD. Coolant plate 354 has a sloped forwardsurface region, swept-back opposite side surface regions, and a U-shapedrear surface region 367 extending between the opposite side surfaceregions. The axial length of coolant plate 354 is PPP and the maximumtransverse dimension (or width) is QQQ.

There is a first rearward post notch 368 at the juncture of the bottomplate surface 362 and the rear surface 367. The first rearward postnotch 368, which has a central longitudinal axis U-U, has an open endand a closed end. There is a second rearward post notch 370 at thejuncture of the bottom plate surface 362 and the rear surface 367. Thesecond rearward post notch 370, which has a central longitudinal axisV-V, has an open end and a closed end. The first rearward post notch 368is disposed at angle HH relative to the second rearward post notch 370.Angle HH is the angle between central longitudinal axes U-U and V-V.Angle HH is equal to about 80 degrees.

The bottom plate surface 362 of the coolant plate 354 contains a bowl372 that has an open end 376 and a closed end 374. As described above,coolant travels into the bowl 372 and impinges the surfaces defining thebowl 372 whereby coolant exits the bowl 372 via the open end 376thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 13 through 15, there is shown a second specificembodiment of a clamp generally designated as 379 that includes a clamp380. Clamp 380 has a forward end 382, a rearward end 384, a top clampsurface 386 and a bottom clamp surface 388. Clamp 380 has a clamp base392 that contains a cylindrical bore 394. Clamp 380 further has an arm396 with a distal end 397 wherein a clamp projection in the form of arib 398 projects there from. The clamp 380 contains a post bore 400,which receives a clamp post 402. The distance from the center of thecylindrical bore 394 to the center of the clamp projection 398 is SSS.

Set forth below is Table I that sets forth the dimensions of specificembodiments of the various coolant plates and clamps described above.

TABLE I Dimensions of Coolant Plates and Clamps Magnitude DimensionDescription [millimeters (mm)] AAA axial length of coolant plate 13011.30 mm  BBB maximum transverse dimension 9.46 mm of coolant plate 130CCC distance from the center of 4.99 mm recess 140 to forward end 132 ofcoolant plate 130 DDD axial length of coolant plate 170 11.30 mm  EEEmaximum transverse dimension 9.46 mm of coolant plate 170 FFF distancefrom the center of 3.78 mm recess 1180 to forward end 172 of coolantplate 170 GGG axial length of coolant plate 220 12.87 mm  HHH maximumtransverse dimension 9.46 mm of coolant plate 220 III distance from thecenter of 6.69 mm recess 228 to forward end 222 of coolant plate 220 JJJaxial length of coolant plate 270 12.87 mm  KKK maximum transversedimension 9.46 mm of coolant plate 270 MMM axial length of coolant plate326 14.00 mm  NNN maximum transverse dimension 9.00 mm of coolant plate326 OOO distance from the center of 7.69 mm recess 336 to forward end328 of coolant plate 326 PPP axial length of coolant plate 354 14.00 mm QQQ maximum transverse dimension 9.00 mm of coolant plate 354 RRRdistance from center of 19.21 mm  cylindrical bore 95 to center of clampprojection 98 SSS distance from center of 20.40 mm  cylindrical bore 394to center of clamp projection 398

As described hereinabove, there are two basic clamp designs; namely, thefirst specific embodiment of the clamp 82 which has a clamp projection98 in the form of a boss. This specific clamp 82 is designed tocooperate with the recess in the form of a circular depression which isfound in the top plate surface of selected coolant plates. In thisregard, the coolant plates that are suitable to cooperate with clamp 82are the first specific embodiment coolant plate 130, the third specificembodiment coolant plate 220, and the fifth specific embodiment coolantplate 326. For each of the above coolant plates, i.e., coolant plate130, coolant plate 220, and coolant plate 326, the clamp projection 98in the form of a boss is received by the respective recess 140, 238,336, respectively, which is in the form of a circular depression. Theclamp facilitates the secure assembly of the coolant plate to thecutting assembly.

The coolant plates (130, 220, 326) can have different orientationsrelative to the clamp 82 depending upon the structure and positioning ofthe coolant plates. For example, referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, coolantplate 130 contains only a single rearward post notch 154 so that whenassembly to the clamp 82, the clamp post 102 only can be received by therearward post notch 154, and thus, the first specific embodiment coolantplate 130 can only exhibit one position relative to the clamp 82, andthat is where the central longitudinal axis A-A of the coolant plate 130is parallel to (and essentially coaxial with) the central longitudinalaxis P-P of the clamp arm 96 of the clamp 82. In the case of the thirdspecific embodiment coolant plate 220, the clamp post 102 may bereceived either by the first rearward post notch 242 or the secondrearward post notch 248. In either one of these orientations, thecentral longitudinal axis G-G of the coolant plate 220 will be disposedat angle W from the central longitudinal axis P-P of the clamp arm 96 ofthe clamp 82. As one can appreciate, the ability to vary the orientationof the coolant pate relative to the clamp provides advantages.

In the case of the fifth specific embodiment coolant plate 326, theclamp post 102 may be received in any one of the first rearward postnotch 340, the second rearward post notch 342. As is apparent from FIG.8A, each of the rearward post notches (340, 342) exhibits a differentorientation relative to the central longitudinal axis O-O of the coolantplate 326, and hence, would exhibit a different orientation with respectto the central longitudinal axis P-P of the clamp arm 96 of the clamp82. When the clamp post 102 is within the first rearward post notch 340,the coolant plate 326 has an orientation such that the centrallongitudinal axis O-O there of is disposed at an angle Y/2 with thecentral longitudinal axis P-P of the clamp arm 96 of the clamp 82. Whenthe clamp post 102 is within the second rearward post notch 342, thecoolant plate 326 has an orientation such that the central longitudinalaxis O-O there of is disposed at an angle Y/2 with the centrallongitudinal axis P-P of the clamp arm 96 of the clamp 82. As one canappreciate, the ability to vary the orientation of the coolant platerelative to the clamp provides advantages.

The second specific embodiment of the clamp 380 has a clamp projection398 in the form of a rib. The rib-style of clamp projection 398 isintended to engage a selected one of the recesses in the form of atrough in the top plate surface of the specific coolant plate. Thespecific coolant plates designed to cooperate with the second embodimentof the clamp 380 comprise the second specific embodiment coolant plate170, the fourth specific embodiment coolant plate 270, and the sixthspecific embodiment coolant plate 354. As will become apparent, there isa correspondence between the rearward post notch that receives the clamppost 402 and the recess that receives the rib-style clamp projection 398of the clamp 380.

In reference to the second specific embodiment coolant plate 170 asillustrated in FIGS. 4-4B, when the clamp 380 is assembly to the coolantplate 170, the rib-style projection 398 is received within the recess180 and the clamp post 402 is received within the rearward post notch200. In this orientation, the clamp 380 is in generally parallelalignment with the coolant plate 370. In other words, the centrallongitudinal axis QQ-QQ of the clamp 380 is generally parallel to thecentral longitudinal axis C-C of coolant plate 170.

In reference to the fourth specific embodiment coolant plate 270 asillustrated in FIGS. 7-7C, when the clamp 380 is assembly to the coolantplate 270, the rib-style projection 398 can be selectively receivedwithin either recess 280 or recess 282. When the rib-style projection398 is in recess 280, the clamp post 402 is received in the rearwardpost notch 306. When the rib-style projection 398 is in recess 282, theclamp post 402 is received in the rearward post notch 300. As isapparent, the orientation of the coolant plate 270 relative to the clamp380 is different depending upon the recess ad the rearward post notchengaged by the rib-style projection 398 and the clamp post 402.

In reference to the sixth specific embodiment coolant plate 354,referring to FIGS. 9-9A, when the clamp 380 is assembled to the coolantplate 354, the rib-style projection 398 can be selectively receivedwithin either recess 364 or recess 366. When the rib-style projection398 is in recess 364, the clamp post 402 is received in the rearwardpost notch 370. When the rib-style projection 398 is in recess 366, theclamp post 402 is received in the rearward post notch 368. As isapparent, the orientation of the coolant plate 354 relative to the clamp380 is different depending upon the recess and the rearward post notchengaged by the rib-style projection 398 and the clamp post 402.

There should be an appreciation that the clamp post 102 of the clamp 82and the clamp post 402 of the clamp 380 are positioners that maintainthe position of the clamp (82, 380) to the corresponding coolant plateupon assembly of the clamp and the coolant plate. In this regard, theclamp post is received within the corresponding notch in the coolantplate thereby maintaining the relative position or orientation of theclamp and the coolant plate.

Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 20 and 26 show another specificembodiment of a cutting tool assembly generally designated as 500.Cutting tool assembly 500 functions in basically the same way toeffectively deliver coolant to the cutting insert-workpiece interface asdo the cutting tool assemblies 20 and 410. While it will be described inmore detail hereinafter, the same is true for the cutting tool assembly622 in that it functions in basically the same way to deliver coolant tothe cutting insert-workpiece interface as do the cutting tool assemblies20 and 410.

The significant structural differences between the cutting toolassemblies 20 and 410 and cutting tool assemblies 500 and 622 resides inthe way the coolant plate connects or assembles to the clamping member.In cutting tool assemblies 20 and 410, a post from the clamping memberengages or registers within a notch in the coolant plate to maintain therelative position between the coolant plate and the clamping member. Incutting tool assemblies 500 and 622, a threaded screw (or threadedmember) threadedly engages an aperture (or threaded aperture) in thecoolant plate, which does not contain a notch, and an aperture (orthreaded aperture) in the clamping member, which does not contain apost, to secure the coolant plate to the clamping member and maintainthe relative position of the coolant plate to the clamping member. Thecoolant plate with the aperture is longer than the coolant plate withthe notch.

FIG. 26 illustrates only a part of the structure of the cutting toolassembly 500 in comparison to the structure of the cutting tool assembly20 illustrated in FIG. 3. It should be understood that the structure notillustrated in FIG. 26 is similar to corresponding structure illustratedin FIG. 3.

Cutting tool assembly 500 comprises a holder 502 that has a clamp bore504. Holder 502 further has a forward end 506 and a rearward end 508.Along the lines of holder 22, holder 502 contains a coolant passage thathas an entrance and an exit. Holder 502 further has a seat 514 whichexhibits a seating surface 516. Holder 502 contains a seat bore with athreaded portion. Cutting tool assembly 500 further includes a shim 522that contains a central aperture 524 and a cutting insert 526 thatcontains a central aperture 528. Cutting tool assembly 500 also includesa locking pin 530 that has a structure and function similar to thelocking pin 60 described hereinabove.

Still referring to FIGS. 20 and 26, as well as FIGS. 21-22, cutting toolassembly 500 further includes a specific embodiment of a clamp assembly540. Clamp assembly 540 includes a clamp member 542 which has a forwardend 544, a rearward end 546, a top surface 548 and a bottom surface 550.Clamp member 542 contains a threaded aperture 552. As will be describedhereinafter, the threaded aperture 552 receives a threaded screw 720,which has a screw head 722, which functions to secure together the clampmember 542 and the coolant plate 580, which is described in more detailhereinafter.

Clamp member 542 has a clamp base portion 554, which contains acylindrical bore 556. Clamp member 542 has a clamp arm 558, which has adistal end 560. There is a clamp projection 562 in the form of a bossdepending from the adjacent distal end 560 of the clamp arm 558. As willbe described in more detail hereinafter, the boss or clamp projection562 engages the recess 590 in the coolant plate 580 when the coolantplate 580 and clamp member 542 are assembled together.

The clamp assembly 540 further includes a threaded member 566 that hasan upper threaded portion 568 with a socket 569 and a lower threadedsection 570 with a socket 571. Cylindrical bore 556 has a threadedsection 574. Clamp bore 504 has a threaded section 576. The upperthreaded section 568 of the threaded member 566 threadedly engages thethreaded upper section 574 of the bore 556. The lower threaded section570 of the threaded member 566 threadedly engages the threaded section576 of the clamp bore 504, which is in the holder 502. The threadedmember 566 securely fastens the clamp 542 to the holder 502 when thecoolant plate 580 is attached so as to then exert a force or biasagainst the cutting insert 526 and the shim 522.

Referring to FIGS. 23-25, there is shown a specific embodiment of acoolant plate generally designated as 580 wherein the coolant plate 580is intended to be connected to the clamp member 542. Coolant plate 580has a forward end 582, a rearward end 584, a top plate surface 586 and abottom plate surface 588. The top plate surface 586 contains a recess590, which is in the form of a circular depression. The geometry orprofile of the recess 590 cooperates with the clamp projection (or boss)562 to help maintain the position of the coolant plate 580 relative tothe clamp member 542. Coolant plate 580 has a sloped forward surfaceregion 592, swept-back opposite side surface regions 594, 596 and agenerally U-shaped rear surface region 598 that extends between theopposite side surface regions 594, 596. The bottom plate surface 588 ofthe coolant plate 580 contains a bowl 616 that has an open end 618 and aclosed end 620. The coolant plate 580 has a central longitudinal axisA′-A′.

Coolant plate 580 further contains an aperture 600 that extends betweenthe top plate surface 586 and the bottom plate surface 588 whereinaperture 600 has a top end 602 adjacent the top plate surface 586 and abottom end 604 adjacent the bottom plate surface 588. Aperture 600 has acylindrically-shaped reduced dimension section 606 that is threaded.Aperture 600 further has a dome-shaped enlarged dimension section 608with an arcuate top surface 610 and a generally cylindrical (orfrusto-conical) side surface 612.

As previously mentioned, the coolant plate 580 and the clamp member 542are intended to function together. In this regard, the threaded screw720 (see FIG. 26) is received in the aperture 600 and engages thereduced dimension threaded section 606. The threaded screw 720 alsothreadedly engages the threaded aperture 552 in the clamping member 542.The threaded screw 720 is tightened to a position so as to secure thecoolant plate 580 to the clamping member 542. As illustrated in FIG. 3,the distal end 724 of the treaded screw 720 terminates within the volumeof the threaded aperture 552. Typically, there is a gap or space 726between the underside surface of the head 722 of the screw 720 and thearcuate top surface 610 of the dome-shaped enlarged dimension section608 of the aperture 600. After the coolant plate 580 is secured to theclamp member 542, the clamp assembly 540 can then be secured to theholder 502.

Referring back to FIG. 26, in operation, coolant, which is typicallyunder pressure, passes through the coolant passage so as to exit thecoolant passage at the exit thereof. As shown by the arrows, coolantflows through the central longitudinal bore of the locking pin 530.Coolant enters into the volume defined by the bowl 616 in the coolantplate 580 and impinges the surfaces that define the bowl 616 so thatcoolant is directed so as to exit out of the open end 618 of the bowl616. The coolant travels toward the interface between the cutting insert526 and the workpiece.

The capability to provide adequate coolant flow to the interface betweenthe cutting insert and the workpiece has advantages. For example, a chipgenerated from the workpiece can sometimes stick (e.g., through welding)to the surface of the cutting insert. The build up of chip material onthe cutting insert in this fashion is an undesirable occurrence that cannegatively impact upon the performance of the cutting insert, and hence,the overall material removal operation. A flow of coolant to theinsert-chip interface will reduce the potential for such welding. Itwould therefore be desirable to reduce excessive heat at the insert-chipinterface to eliminate or reduce build up of chip material. Further, ina chipforming material removal operation, there can occur instances inwhich the chips do not exit the region of the insert-chip interface whenthe chip sticks to the cutting insert. When a chip does not exit theregion of the insert-chip interface, there is the potential that a chipcan be re-cut. It is undesirable for the milling insert to re-cut a chipalready removed from the workpiece. A flow of coolant to the insert-chipinterface will facilitate the evacuation of chips from the insert-chipinterface thereby minimizing the potential that a chip will be re-cut.In addition, it is undesirable for the chip to become long. Breaking ofthe chip into smaller pieces is a desirable event during the materialremoval operation. The coolant stream can impinge the chip to therebybreak the chip into the smaller pieces.

Referring to FIG. 27, there is shown another specific embodiment of acutting tool assembly generally designated as 622. Cutting tool assembly622 includes a holder 624 that has a forward end 625 and a rearward end626. The holder 624 contains a seat 627 adjacent to the forward end 625.The seat 627 receives a cutting insert 628 and shim (not illustrated).

Referring to FIGS. 31 and 32, there is shown a specific embodiment of aclamp assembly generally designated as 694 that includes a clamp 696.Clamp member 696 has a forward end 698, a rearward end 700, a top clampsurface 702 and a bottom clamp surface 704. Clamp member 696 contains athreaded aperture 705. Clamp member 696 has a clamp base 706 thatcontains a cylindrical bore 708. Cylindrical bore 708 has an upperthreaded section 709 with the remainder of the cylindrical bore 708being smooth. Clamp member 696 further has an arm 710 with a distal end712 wherein a clamp projection in the form of a rib 714 projects therefrom.

Referring to FIGS. 28, 29 and 30, there is shown another specificembodiment of a coolant plate generally designated as 630. Coolant plate630 has a central longitudinal axis Coolant plate 630 has a forward end632, a rearward end 634, a top plate surface 636, and a bottom platesurface 638. The top plate surface 636 contains a pair of intersectingrecesses 640, 642. Referring to FIG. 28, one recess 640 is in the formof an elongate trough and the other recess 642 is in the form of anelongate trough. These elongate troughs (640, 642) have an orientationrelative to each other and the transverse axis of coolant plate 630 thatis like corresponding orientations of the elongate troughs 280, 282 ofcoolant plate 270 in FIG. 7. The angles of disposition of the recesses640, 624 are the same as those of the recesses 280, 282 of coolant plate270. Coolant plate 630 has a sloped forward surface region 644,swept-back opposite side surface regions 646, 648, and a generallyU-shaped rear surface region 650 extending between the opposite sidesurface regions 646, 648.

Coolant plate 630 further contains a pair of spaced apart apertures 654and 670. As will be described hereinafter, the operator can select whichaperture (654, 670) to use wherein the threaded screw engages theselected threaded aperture (654, 670) in the coolant plate 630 and thethreaded aperture 705 in the clamp member 696 so as to function totightly secure together the clamp member 696 and the coolant plate 630at a selected one of two possible orientations of the coolant plate 630relative to the clamp member 696.

Referring to FIG. 30, aperture 654 extends between the top plate surface636 and the bottom plate surface 638 wherein aperture 654 has a top end656 adjacent the top plate surface 636 and a bottom end 658 adjacent thebottom plate surface 638. Aperture 654 has a generallycylindrically-shaped reduced dimension section 660 that is threaded.Aperture 654 further has a dome-shaped enlarged dimension section 662with an arcuate top surface 664 and a generally cylindrical or generallyfrusto-conical side surface 666. The geometry of aperture 670 is thesame as the geometry of aperture 654. Aperture 670 extends between thetop plate surface 636 and the bottom plate surface 638 wherein aperture670 has a top end adjacent the top plate surface 636 and a bottom endadjacent the bottom plate surface 638. Aperture 670 has acylindrically-shaped reduced dimension section 676 that is threaded.Aperture 670 further has a dome-shaped enlarged dimension section 678with an arcuate top surface and a cylindrical side surface.

The bottom plate surface 638 of the coolant plate 630 contains a bowl686 that has an open end 688 and a closed end 690. As described above,coolant travels into the bowl 686 and impinges the surfaces defining thebowl 686 whereby coolant exits the bowl 686 via the open end 688thereof.

As previously mentioned, the coolant plate 630 and the clamp member 696are intended to function together. In this regard, a threaded screw isreceived in the selected one of the aperture 654 or aperture 670 andengages the reduced dimension threaded section (660, 676). The threadedscrew also threadedly engages the threaded aperture 705 in the clampingmember 696. The threaded screw is tightened to a position so as tosecure the coolant plate 630 to the clamping member 696. Typically,there is a gap or space between the underside surface of the head of thescrew and the arcuate top surface of the dome-shaped enlarged dimensionsection of the selected aperture. The clamp assembly 694 can then besecured to the holder 624.

There should be an appreciation that the threaded member (threaded screw720) is a positioner that maintains the position of the clamp member(542, 696) relative to the corresponding coolant plate upon assembly ofthe clamp member and the coolant plate. In this regard, the threadedscrew threadedly engages the threaded aperture in the clamp member andthreadedly engages the threaded aperture in the coolant plate therebymaintaining the relative position or orientation of the clamp member andthe coolant plate. Further, the engagement of the threaded screw 720 inthe corresponding threaded apertures of the clamp member and coolantplate secures together the clamp member and coolant plate.

It is apparent that the present invention provides a clamping assemblyof a clamp and coolant plate that exhibits a geometry so as toaccommodate a number of different clamps and coolant plates withouthaving to keep in inventory a variety of different cutting inserts. Areduction in the number of different clamps and/or coolant plates ininventory would result in a cost savings thereby increasing the overallefficiency of the cutting operation.

Further, it is apparent that the present invention provides for adequatecoolant flow to the interface between the cutting insert and theworkpiece. The capability to provide adequate coolant flow to theinterface between the cutting insert and the workpiece has advantages.For example, a chip generated from the workpiece can sometimes stick(e.g., through welding) to the surface of the cutting insert. The buildup of chip material on the cutting insert in this fashion is anundesirable occurrence that can negatively impact upon the performanceof the cutting insert, and hence, the overall material removaloperation. A flow of coolant to the insert-chip interface will reducethe potential for such welding. It would therefore be desirable toreduce excessive heat at the insert-chip interface to eliminate orreduce build up of chip material. Further, in a chipforming materialremoval operation, there can occur instances in which the chips do notexit the region of the insert-chip interface when the chip sticks to thecutting insert. When a chip does not exit the region of the insert-chipinterface, there is the potential that a chip can be re-cut. It isundesirable for the turning insert to re-cut a chip already removed fromthe workpiece. A flow of coolant to the insert-chip interface willfacilitate the evacuation of chips from the insert-chip interfacethereby minimizing the potential that a chip will be re-cut. Inaddition, it is undesirable for the chip to become long. Breaking of thechip into smaller pieces is a desirable event during the materialremoval operation. The coolant stream can impinge the chip to therebybreak the chip into the smaller pieces.

The patents and other documents identified herein are herebyincorporated by reference herein. Other embodiments of the inventionwill be apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of thespecification or a practice of the invention disclosed herein. It isintended that the specification and examples are illustrative only andare not intended to be limiting on the scope of the invention. The truescope and spirit of the invention is indicated by the following claims.

1. A clamp assembly to secure a cutting insert to a holder, the clampassembly comprising: a clamp; the clamp having a distal end and a clampprojection depending from the distal end of the clamp; a coolant platehaving a top plate surface and a bottom plate surface, the top platesurface containing a recess wherein the recess receives the clampprojection upon assembly of the clamp and the coolant plate; the bottomplate surface containing a bowl having an open bowl end wherein inoperation the bowl directs coolant through the open bowl end toward thecutting insert; and a positioner extending between the clamp and thecoolant plate so as to maintain a position of the clamp relative to thecoolant plate upon the assembly of the clamp and the coolant plate. 2.The clamp assembly according to claim 1 wherein the recess comprises adepression.
 3. The clamp assembly according to claim 2 wherein the clampprojection comprising a boss.
 4. The clamp assembly according to claim 1wherein the recess comprising a first notch.
 5. The clamp assemblyaccording to claim 4 wherein the first notch having a first notchcentral longitudinal axis, and the coolant plate having a coolant platecentral longitudinal axis.
 6. The clamp assembly according to claim 5wherein the first notch central longitudinal axis being generallyperpendicular to the coolant plate central longitudinal axis.
 7. Theclamp assembly according to claim 5 further including a second notchhaving a second notch central longitudinal axis, and the first notchcentral longitudinal axis and the second notch central longitudinal axiseach being disposed at a notch disposition angle to the coolant platecentral longitudinal axis.
 8. The clamp assembly according to claim 7wherein the first notch intersecting the second notch.
 9. The clampassembly according to claim 7 wherein when the clamp being assembled tothe coolant plate, the rib being received within a selected one of thefirst notch and the second notch.
 10. The clamp assembly according toclaim 4 wherein the clamp projection comprising a rib.
 11. The clampassembly according to claim 10 wherein when the clamp being assembled tothe coolant plate), the rib being received within the first notch. 12.The clamp assembly according to claim 4 wherein the bottom plate surfacecontaining a rearward notch having a central longitudinal axis, and thefirst notch having a central longitudinal axis, and the centrallongitudinal axis of the rearward notch being generally perpendicular tothe central longitudinal axis of the first notch.
 13. The clamp assemblyaccording to claim 1 wherein the clamp having a clamp bottom surface andthe positioner comprising a clamp post extending from the clamp bottomsurface, and the bottom plate surface further containing a rearwardnotch wherein the rearward notch receives the clamp post upon assemblyof the clamp and the coolant plate so as to maintain a position of theclamp relative to the coolant plate.
 14. The clamp assembly according toclaim 1 wherein the clamp containing a threaded aperture and the coolantplate containing a threaded aperture, and the positioner comprising athreaded member, and the threaded member threadedly engaging thethreaded aperture of the clamp and the threaded aperture of the coolantplate so as to maintain a position of the clamp relative to the coolantplate.
 15. The clamp assembly according to claim 14 wherein the threadedmember secures the coolant plate to the clamp.
 16. A cutting assemblyfor chipforming cutting of a workpiece, the cutting assembly comprising:a cutting insert; a holder having a seat wherein the seat receives thecutting insert upon assembly of the cutting insert to the holder; aclamp; the clamp having a distal end and a clamp projection dependingfrom the distal end of the clamp; a coolant plate having a top platesurface and a bottom plate surface, the top plate surface containing arecess wherein the recess receives the clamp projection upon assembly ofthe clamp and the coolant plate; the bottom plate surface containing abowl having an open bowl end wherein in operation the bowl directscoolant through the open bowl end toward the cutting insert; and apositioner extending between the clamp and the coolant plate so as tomaintain a position of the clamp relative to the coolant plate upon theassembly of the clamp and the coolant plate.
 17. The cutting assemblyaccording to claim 16 wherein the clamp having a clamp bottom surfaceand the positioner comprising a clamp post extending from the clampbottom surface, and the bottom plate surface further containing arearward notch wherein the rearward notch receives the clamp post uponassembly of the clamp and the coolant plate so as to maintain a positionof the clamp relative to the coolant plate.
 18. The cutting assemblyaccording to claim 16 wherein the clamp containing a threaded apertureand the coolant plate containing a threaded aperture, and the positionercomprising a threaded member, and the threaded member threadedlyengaging the threaded aperture of the clamp and the threaded aperture ofthe coolant plate so as to maintain a position of the clamp relative tothe coolant plate.
 19. The cutting assembly according to claim 18wherein the threaded member secures the coolant plate to the clamp. 20.A coolant plate for use in cooperation with a clamp in a cuttingassembly with a cutting insert and a clamp having a clamp projection andthe clamp containing a threaded aperture wherein a threaded memberextends between the threaded aperture of the clamp and the coolantplate, the coolant plate comprising: a top plate surface and a bottomplate surface, the top plate surface containing a recess wherein therecess receives a clamp projection from the clamp upon assembly of theclamp and the coolant plate; the bottom plate surface containing a bowlhaving an open bowl end wherein in operation the bowl directs coolantthrough the open bowl end toward a cutting insert; and the coolant platecontaining a threaded aperture that receives the threaded member uponassembly of the clamp to the coolant plate so as to maintain a positionof the clamp relative to the coolant plate.
 21. The coolant plateaccording to claim 20 wherein the recess comprises a depression, and theclamp projection comprising a boss.
 22. The coolant plate according toclaim 20 wherein the recess comprising a first notch, and the firstnotch having a first notch central longitudinal axis, and the coolantplate having a coolant plate central longitudinal axis.
 23. The coolantplate according to claim 22 wherein the first notch central longitudinalaxis being generally parallel to the coolant plate central longitudinalaxis.
 24. The coolant plate according to claim 22 further including asecond notch having a second notch central longitudinal axis, and thefirst notch central longitudinal axis and the second notch centrallongitudinal axis each being disposed at a notch disposition angle tothe coolant plate central longitudinal axis.
 25. A coolant plate for usein cooperation with a clamp in a cutting assembly with a cutting insertand a clamp having a clamp post and a clamp projection, the coolantplate comprising: a top plate surface and a bottom plate surface, thetop plate surface containing a recess wherein the recess receives aclamp projection from the clamp upon assembly of the clamp and thecoolant plate; the bottom plate surface containing a bowl having an openbowl end wherein in operation the bowl directs coolant through the openbowl end toward a cutting insert; and the bottom plate surface furthercontaining a rearward notch wherein the rearward notch receives a clamppost from the clamp upon assembly of the clamp and the coolant plate.